Sep 29, 2011

Logos Hope Ship - Floating Book Fair

MV Logos Hope

Logos Hope Ship - The Biggest floating book fair in town
By A. Ruban
Friday September 30, 2011


PORT KLANG: The world's biggest floating book fair the MV Logos Hope has arrived at the cruise centre here.

The vessel, with almost half a million books from over 5,000 titles, will be here until Oct 23, Logos Hope managing director Gian Walser said.

"The ship is making its maiden voyage around the world and Malaysia is the first eastern country we are berthing at," Walser said yesterday during the book fair's opening ceremony.

The vessel had previously docked at Penang and will be making its next stop at Kuching before proceeding to Kota Kinabalu.

Some 130,000 people are said to have visited the ship in Penang.

Book lovers: Visitors browsing for books on board the MV Logos Hope at the Port Klang Cruise Centre Thursday.
Book lovers: Visitors browsing for books on board the
MV Logos Hope at the Port Klang Cruise Centre Thursday.


"Logos Hope is not just a ship with many books or a travelling international community. It is, in fact, a vision to make a difference in this world.

"Our sole purpose is to bring knowledge, help and hope to the people around the world," Walser said.

The book supply is from donors in United Kingdom and United States, while several publishers had also donated their books, he said.

"Our store has never run out of supply as we have good Samaritans filling them up," he added.

Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Senator Heng Seai Kie said the book fair was a good way to learn the diversified culture around the world.

Impressed with the non-salaried volunteers and crew on board, Heng also expressed hope that more Malaysians would take part in the journey.

There are now five Malaysians on board the Logos Hope, including a doctor, while another 25 are expected to be recruited soon.

The fair will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 3pm to 10pm on Sundays. It will be closed on Monday.

Tickets only cost RM1 and admission is free for children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult.

The books cover a range of subjects including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages and philosophy.

MV Logos Hope is operated by GBA Ships e.V. an international charitable organisation registered in Germany. -- The Star News

Logos Hope Malaysia


Living their dreams on board the 'Logos Hope'
By A. Ruban
Tuesday October 4, 2011


PORT KLANG: Sailing around the world and doing volunteer work without a monthly salary is not everyone's cup of tea.

Five Malaysians, however, feel that they are living their dreams by volunteering on MV Logos Hope. In fact, they don't even mind paying for the accommodation and food.

"This has to be one the best choices I have ever made," said private practitioner Dr Moses Lee, 69, of his decision to be a part of the world's largest floating book fair on the ship.

Dr Lee and his 69-year-old wife Leow Hian Yook, a retired nurse, have two more months to go before completing their 13-month stint.

They have been enjoying their time on the vessel, despite several bouts of seasickness.

"We believe life has just begun for us as we still feel young and vibrant," said Leow, who worked at Hospital Kuala Lumpur for 27 years before leaving on humanitarian missions with her husband.

Leow said their three grown-up children were initially against the idea of them sailing around the world.

"They were worried about our safety. But they relented when we told them of our dreams," she added.

MV Logos Hope, which is run by a charitable organisation in Germany, will be here until Oct 23.

With about 400 volunteers, the book fair offers about 5,000 titles at affordable prices.

The book fair is opened to the public from 10am to 10pm (Tuesdays to Saturdays) and 3pm to 10pm on Sundays.

Another volunteer, Cheah Suet Yee, 27, a media and communication graduate, said: "I had always wanted to be a part of it. Luckily, I managed to join them this time by signing up for a 52-day programme," she said.

Cheah has about 20 days to complete her service.

As for Lim Zhun Ming, 19, he has just completed his A-Level examinations.

"I believe some day I will earn a modest income. For now, I feel it is better that I venture into humanitarian work and learn about the world," Lim said.

Meanwhile, Plusliner Travel & Tours will be providing bus services to visit the floating library. There will be two departures points Terminal Bersepadu Selatan-Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS-BTS) and Port Klang KTM commuter station.

The service will cost between RM8 and RM21. For more information, please call 1-300-888-KTB (528). -- Star

More info about Logos Hope, world's largest floating book fair!

Over 500,000 book titles on Logos Hope
Posted on 26 August 2011 - 05:30am
Aaron Ngui


GEORGE TOWN (Aug 25, 2011): The Logos Hope which docked at Penang port last week has been attracting a array of tourist and visitors from all over the country.

There are so many choices of books on the 132-metre long Logos Hope that visitors are sure to find one that they like, its managing director Gian Walser said.

There are half a million titles on what is slated as the ‘world’s largest floating bookstore’, he said adding that 5,000 titles were available at affordable prices so everyone can purchase their favourite title.

“Our aim is to make it (books) available and affordable to everyone,” he said at a press conference when the ship officially opened its gangway to the public at the Swettenham Pier today.

Also present was the ship’s captain James Dyer and state Wanita MCA chief Tan Cheng Liang who officiated the opening ceremony.

The ship will be in Penang until Sept 26 before leaving for Port Klang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

The ship is open to visitors from 10am to 10pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1pm to 10pm on Sundays and will be closed on Mondays.

Visitors have to pay a RM1 entry fee while entry is free for children under 12.

Tan said she hoped that all Malaysians can learn from the 400 volunteer crew members of the Logos Hope which come from 45 different countries.

“We can and should learn how so many people from different cultures can live together peacefully, and I hope that they (Logos Hope) will come more often to Malaysia,” she said.

One of the volunteer crew, Malaysian Melissa Krishnan, 34, said she joined the crew two years ago and has no regrets.

“It has been a fun and unforgettable experience all this time,” the electrical and electronic engineering graduate said.

Another Malaysian volunteer, 23-year-old Matthew Lee said it was a very good experience to be able to stay and work together with people from various backgrounds.

“I experienced a bit of culture shock when I first joined the crew in June but got used to it eventually and now everyone is like a family,” the engineering graduate said. -- The Sun Daily

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